Lifestyle of both parents during pregnancy affects growth curve of girls during first year of life

Researcher Vickà Versele (VUB-KU Leuven) focuses with the TRANSPARENTS research project on the changes in body composition and lifestyle in couples having their first child. Her recent study - published in the international journal Pediatric Obesity - now shows that the lifestyle of mom and dad at the beginning of pregnancy has an impact on the weight curve during the first year of life for girls, but not for boys. Vickà Versele analyzed the body composition, physical activity and sitting behavior of 114 couples at the beginning of pregnancy. In addition, she looked at the weight evolution of mom during pregnancy and the growth curves of their first child from birth. " Our focus on the influence of moms and dads on their baby's weight is unique ," Versele said. "We know that the mom's lifestyle has an impact on the baby. However, most studies focus on women and pay little attention to the impact of the dad.